The Mail Processor Job Description

Mail processors sort and prepare mail.

The U.S. Postal Service maintains one of the most efficient and dependable systems. According to the USPS website, the United States Postal Service delivers mail to more than 150 million mail boxes, despite threats of hurricanes and blizzards. Mail processors play an important role in making sure the proper recipient receives mail. The USPS reveals that 177 billion pieces of mail were processed in 2009.

Roles

According to the Occupational Information Network, mail processors prepare both incoming and outgoing mail for the purpose of distribution. These workers sort, examine and route mail according to state and type of mail. Processors can also search directories in order to find the correct address for redirected mail. Mail processors operate mail sorting, processing and canceling machinery. Workers also clear any jams in congested sorting equipment. Workers maintain records of shipments.

Environment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postal service mail processors work at post offices and mail processing centers. Workers can be found outside or in garages loading and unloading postal trucks. According to the Occupational Information Network, mail processors may work from counters or windows where they serve the public by selling stamps and weighing packages.

Requirements

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, applicants for Postal Service jobs are required to take the general Postal Service exam. Workers are required to be a minimum of 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or granted permanent resident-alien status in the United States. According to the USPS website, males born after Dec. 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. Applicants must have basic competency in the English language.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2009 Occupational Employment and Wages, postal service mail sorters, processors and processing machine operators earned a national mean hourly wage of $23.20 and a national mean annual wage of $48,260. The top paying locations for this occupation included the District of Columbia which offered an annual mean wage of $51,240; Connecticut, $50,640; Rhode Island, $50,360; Florida, $50,290; and Delaware, $50,210.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for postal service mail sorters, processors and processing machine operators is expected to decline at a rate of 30 percent. The use of automated technology for sorting and processing mail will reduce the need for mail processors. Also, many companies presort their own mail before it arrives at the Post Office. The incentive for companies is reduced postage rate. Job positions are competitive due to minimal entry requirements, as well as attractive wages and benefits.

References

• Occupational Information Network: Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistcs, May 2009: Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
• USPS - Postal Facts
• USPS - Employment Requirements